What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.97
Average wait time
4.57
Bedside manner
5.00
“Dr Donovan and staff are the best. They were extremely busy and backed up late by over an hour, but I am sure they can improve that next visit.”
Mark L.February 20, 2026
“Dr. Donovan is excellent ophthalmologists; I highly recommended him if you are looking for an ophthalmologist go see him, he is very professional and know what he is doing. ”
Initials hiddenLess than 3 months ago
About Dr. James Donovan
While growing up in Southern California, Dr. James Donovan knew early on that he wanted to be a doctor. He recalls, “I had a minor surgery as a child, but it was a big deal for me. What I remember being impressed with was how skilled, yet how compassionate, the doctors were to me. My well-being seemed to be their only concern. This resonated with me as the kind of person and the kind of profession I could be interested in.”
After earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1989 from the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Donovan went on to Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. While in medical school, Dr. Donovan pursued his research interests working with the Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology in the subretinal implantation and physiological testing of an artificial retina device in rabbits. He completed his Ophthalmology residency at the LSU Eye Center in New Orleans, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. While in practice in Louisiana, he lectured and was involved in clinical instruction for the Ophthalmology residents of the LSU/Ochsner Clinic residency program.
He is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the New Orleans Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Donovan has been recognized for his warmth and compassionate nature. Board-certified for over 19 years, he finds practicing state-of-the-art eye care as an opportunity to improve the lives of many.
Education
1989 Bachelor of Science, Pre-Professional Studies, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
1993 Doctor of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
Professional Affiliations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
New Orleans Academy of Ophthalmology
Professional Training
1993-1994 Transitional Internal Medicine Internship, MacNeal Memorial Hospital, Berwyn, IL
1994-1998 Ophthalmology Residency, Chief Resident
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Areas of expertise
This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Age-related macular degeneration
Cataract
Glaucoma
Cataract surgery with lens implant
Vitreous opacities and degeneration
Secondary membranaous cataract surgery
Age-related macular degeneration
Cataract
Glaucoma
Cataract surgery with lens implant
Office locations
Milauskas Eye Institute (5 of 5)
72301 Country Club Dr, Ste 101, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
1 of 5
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- American Board of Ophthalmology
Education and training
- Medical School - stritch school of medicine, Doctor of Medicine
- University of Notre Dame (Bachelor's)
- MacNeal Hospital, Internship in Internal Medicine
- LSU Health New Orleans, Residency in Ophthalmology
Professional memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Awards and publications
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1952369399
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.97
Wait time
4.57
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
37 reviews
Most relevant
They listened to my concerns and answered my questions. We talked about many alternatives.
March 6, 2026ANNETTE Z.Verified patient
Dr Donovan is good Dr I highly Recomend him to others patients
February 13, 2026Richard H.Verified patient
Dr Donovan and staff are the best. They were extremely busy and backed up late by over an hour, but I am sure they can improve that next visit.
February 20, 2026Mark L.Verified patient
Dr. Donovan is excellent ophthalmologists; I highly recommended him if you are looking for an ophthalmologist go see him, he is very professional and know what he is doing.
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
I was very happy with my first appointment with Dr. Donovan. He was kind, professional and took the time to explain everything to me. I feel comfortable, going forward, with him as my new eye doctor. The staff were also very friendly, professional and helpful.
February 9, 2026Peggy M.Verified patient
Timely and Professional
February 2, 2026Joe J.Verified patient
February 17, 2026Ana H.Verified patient
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. James Donovan?
Generally, Dr. James Donovan has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Donovan's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. James Donovan accepting new patients?
Dr. James Donovan generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Donovan's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. James Donovan accept my insurance?
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Can I make an appointment with Dr. James Donovan online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Donovan using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. James Donovan work with?
Dr. James Donovan works with Milauskas Eye Institute.
Where is Dr. James Donovan's office located?
Dr. James Donovan has 5 office locations, including in Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and La Quinta, view full addresses on Dr. Donovan's profile.
Which board certifications does Dr. James Donovan have?
Dr. James Donovan is certified by American Board of Ophthalmology.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. James Donovan?
Dr. James Donovan frequently sees patients for Eye Emergency Visit, Eye Infection, General Eye Consultation, Refractive Surgery Consultation, and Retina Consultation. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. James Donovan on their profile.
What languages does Dr. James Donovan speak?
Dr. James Donovan speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. James Donovan in reviews?
37 patients have reviewed Dr. James Donovan. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.97/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.57/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.